Leaf is an Israeli company that manufactures high-end digital backs for medium format and large format cameras. It was previously a division of Scitex and later Kodak, and is now a subsidiary of Phase One. In 1991, Leaf introduced the first medium format digital camera back, the Leaf DCB1, nicknamed ‘The Brick’, which had a resolution of 4 million pixels (4 megapixels). As of 2012, Leaf produces the Credo line of digital camera backs, ranging from 40 to 80 megapixels. Until 2010, Leaf also produced photography workflow software Leaf Capture.

Products Digital camera backs After Leaf's DCB, the digital backs evolved into two product lines, the Aptus and the (now discontinued) Valeo. The main difference is that the Aptus models have a 3.5-inch touchscreen, where the Valeos have no on-board display. The Valeos can still be used untethered by using the DP-67 software or the more recent WiView software on a Compaq iPAQ. The iPAQs are connected via Bluetooth with the digital backs. For untethered usage, you will need battery packs for both the Aptus and the Valeo, otherwise the back must be powered via a FireWire connection to a computer. The Valeo models need a Leaf Digital Magazine as well for untethered use, where the Aptus models have a Compact Flash slot.

Current models Credo is the current generation of digital camera backs from Leaf, and the first Leaf back based on Phase One platform and not Leaf legacy platforms. Some of the changes are that the back no longer has a cooling fan, but instead makes use of passive cooling. Also to be noted is the new hi res capacitive touch screen which no longer require stylus pen. The back also boots in one second with Phase One OS. Previous Windows CE operating system took up to 10 seconds to reboot.

The differences between Credo and Aptus II: Interface: Credo has both FW800 and USB3 interfaces. Aptus II has only FW800 interface. Aptus uses a proprietary L-shaped FW connector, while Credo uses a straight regular connector. Thick head connectors will not fit into either backs. Credo uses standard USB3 type B connector and standard cables may be used. Officially only 3 meter USB3 cables are supported, but 5 and 7.5 meters were tested and worked with repeaters. FW cables in Credo and Aptus are supported up to 10 meters. Battery: Credo uses an internal battery, and Aptus uses an external battery. Credo can't operate without a charged battery inside it. When Aptus is tethered it can work only without battery, as the battery port and cable port are overlapping. The Credo battery is charged when using powered FW800, but not when using USB. It is possible to use low powered Windows tablets to tether Credo, while Aptus generally requires tethering to a laptop which has a FW port that is powered from AC. Aptus can load a double capacity and size battery, which Credo can't, since the battery goes into a slot in the Credo body. Screen: Credo has a smaller screen but with more resolution. Credo has capacitive touch screen (more sensitive like current smart phones), and Aptus has a resistive touch screen (less sensitive, like older PDAs) Connection protocols: Credo is much faster to connect in tethering than Aptus, and establishes a more stable connection. Colors: Credo colors are more accurate and less punchy and unique than Aptus colors. Sensitivity - Credo is 1/3 stop more sensitive to light than Aptus, using the same ISO settings. Body compatibility: Aptus can work on all 645 Mamiya models from AFD and upwards. Credo requires 645DF and upwards, and can work with 645AFD III only when version 1 of the firmware is installed on it. Interfacing to non Mamiya 645 bodies, such a RZ67, HY6, Hasselblad H/V, Contax, tech cameras is unchanged from Aptus. Long exposures: Credo can do much longer exposures than Aptus with acceptable noise. Noise: Credo has slightly less noise in high ISO than Aptus in normal length exposures. File format: Credo produces IIQ files same as Phase One backs. There are two types of files: large and small. Large has no compression and small has some compression and about half the size. The "Large" files can be opened by Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. IIQ files are not compatible with Leaf Capture. Live view: Credo has live view on the back's screen - Aptus has live view only on tethered computer. Since both live views are CCD based, they are significantly inferior to live views on current CMOS sensors. All ports in the Credo body are covered ("weather sealed"). Credo body is made of metal, Aptus has plastic/metal combination. Credo has a metal heatsink, while Aptus has a cooling fan, which makes some noise and can make the back freeze in icy winds. Aptus has a detachable LCD protector cover which Credo does not have. Turning on/off: Tethered Aptus automatically turns on when the computer is turned on, and autocratically turns off when the computer is turned off. Credo must be turned on and off manually, and also turns off automatically after a period of idle time.

Model Sensor Size Resolution Active Pixels ISO range Dynamic range Frames per Second Lens conversion factor Display Storage Host Connection Released Credo 50 44 x 33 mm 50 MP, 16 bit 8280 x 6208100-6400 14 f-stops1.2 1.253.2-inch 1.5-megapixel Retina-type multi touchscreenCF up to UDMA 6IEE1394b FireWire 800 and USB32014 Credo 80 53.7 x 40.4 mm 80 MP, 16 bit 10328 x 776035–800 12.5 f-stops0.7 1.02012 Credo 60 53.9 x 40.4 mm 60.5 MP, 16 bit8984 x 673250–80012.5 f-stops1.01.02012 Credo 40 43.9 x 32.9 mm, 40 MP, 16 bit 7320 x 548450–80012.5 f-stops1.2 1.25 2012

Aptus II models are very similar to corresponding previous Aptus models, with the notable differences: Live view available with Phase One 645AF and 645DF bodies (+ Mamiya AFD III & DF), no dongle required. Live view is available on Capture One with large format bodies for legacy Aptus 22 and up, Live View dongle is no longer required. Camera controls (aperture, shutter speed and shutter release) on Phase One 645AF and 645DF bodies (+ Mamiya AFD III & DF) Faster shooting speed, shot-to-shot and faster transmission to tethered computer FireWire 800 connection replaces FireWire 400 Slightly different color response

The following table shows the models which Leaf still shows on their website as current models.

Model Released Sensor Size Resolution Active Pixels ISO range Dynamic range (f-stops) Seconds/Frame Lens conversion factor Display Storage Notes Aptus-II 12R 2010 53.7x40.3 mm 80 MP, 16-bit 10320 x 7752 80-800 12 1.5 1.0 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Rotating sensor Aptus-II 12 2010 53.7x40.3 mm 80 MP, 16-bit 10320 x 7752 80-800 12 1.5 1.0 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Aptus-II 8 2010 44x33 mm 40 MP, 16-bit 7360 x 5562 80-800 12 .8 1.3 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Aptus-II 7 2009 48x36 mm 33 MP, 16-bit 6726 x 5040 50-800 12 1.1 1.1 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Aptus-II 5 2009 48x36 mm 22 MP, 16-bit 5356 x 4056 25-400 12 .9 1.1 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF

Discontinued Models Model Released Sensor Size Resolution Active Pixels ISO range Dynamic range (f-stops) Seconds/Frame Lens conversion factor Display Storage Notes Aptus-II 10R 2010 56x36 mm 56 MP, 16-bit 9288 x 6000 80-800 12 1 1.0 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Rotating sensor Aptus-II 10 2010 56x36 mm 56 MP, 16-bit 9288 x 6000 80-800 12 1 1.0 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Afi-II 10 2008 56x36 mm 56 MP, 16-bit 9288 x 6000 50-800 12 1 3.5-inch Tilt touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Afi-II 7 2008 48x36 mm 33 MP, 16-bit 6726 x 5040 50-800 12 1.1 3.5-inch Tilt touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus-II 6 2009 44x33 mm 28 MP, 16-bit 6144 x 4622 50-800 12 1 1.3 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF Afi-II 6 2008 44x33 mm 28 MP, 16-bit 6144 x 4622 50-800 12 1 3.5-inch Tilt touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Afi 7 2007 48x36 mm 33 MP 6726 x 5040 50-800 12 3.5-inch touchscreen Afi 6 2007 44x33 mm 28 MP 6144 x 4622 50-800 12 3.5-inch touchscreen Afi 5 2007 48x36 mm 22 MP 4056 x 5356 25-400 12 3.5-inch touchscreen Aptus 75s 2006 48x36 mm 33 MP 6726 x 5040 50-800 12 1.2, unlimited burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus 65s 2006 44x33 mm 28 MP 6144 x 4622 50-800 12 1, unlimited burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus 54s 2006 48x36 mm 22 MP 4056 x 5356 25-400 12 .87, unlimited burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus 75 2005 48x36 mm 33 MP 6726 x 5040 50-800 12 1.7, 5 frames burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus 65 2005 44x33 mm 28 MP 6144 x 4622 50-800 12 1.5, 6 frames burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Aptus 22 2005 48 x 36 mm 22 MP, 16-bit 4056 x 5356 25-400 12 .9, no burst 1.1 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Bluetooth Aptus 17 2005 43 x 32 mm 17 MP, 16-bit 3576 x 4716 25-400 12 1.2, no burst 3.5-inch touchscreen FireWire, CF, Digital Magazine Bluetooth Valeo 22wi 2004 48 x 36 mm 22 MP, 16-bit 5356 x 4056 25-200 12 2.3 iPaq FireWire, Digital Magazine(+iPaq) Bluetooth Valeo 17wi 2004 43 x 32 mm 17 MP, 16-bit 3576 x 4716 25-200 12 1.7 iPaq FireWire, Digital Magazine(+iPaq) Bluetooth Valeo 22 2003 48 x 36 mm 22 MP, 16-bit 5356 x 4056 25-200 12 2.3 none (tethered only) FireWire, Digital Magazine Valeo 17 2003 43.2 x 31.7 mm 17 MP, 16-bit 3576 x 4716 25-50 12 1.7 none (tethered only) FireWire, Digital Magazine Valeo 11 2002 36x24mm 11 MP, 16-bit 4056x2684 50-200 12 none (tethered only) FireWire, Digital Magazine Valeo 6 2002 36x24 mm 6 MP, 14-bit 3150 x 2100 125-250 11 .7 none (tethered only) FireWire, Digital Magazine C-MOST 2002 36x24 mm 6.6 MP, 16-bit 3150 x 2100 11 .33 none (tethered only) Cantare XY 36x24 mm 6 MP, 16-bit 2048 x 3072 50-100 none (tethered only) XY-Weave Cantare 36 x 24 mm 6 MP, 14-bit 2048 x 3072 50-100 none (tethered only) 1-shot Volare 36 x 24 mm 6 MP, 14-bit 2048 x 3072 none (tethered only) 3-shot DCB II Live 1996 40 x 40 mm 4 MP, 14-bit 2048 x 2048 25-200 11 .75 none (tethered only) Leaf PCI, NuBus DCB 1992 40 x 40 mm 4 MP 2048 x 2048 25-200 11 .75 none (tethered only)

Camera Mounts The Aptus-II models are equipped with a specific mount to fit one of the following camera systems:

Brand TypePhase One645AF, 645DF (Same mount as Mamiya)Mamiya645DF, 645AFD (I+II+III), RZ67 (Pro II), RZ Pro IId, RB67HasselbladH-systemHasselbladV-system (not 200 or 2000 versions)Leaf AFi Also sold by Rollei and Sinar as "Rolleiflex Hy6" or "Sinar Hy6"Contax 645AFFujiGX680II, GX680III - not a Leaf mount; adapter available from 3rd partyBronicaSQA, SQAi, ETRSi (No longer made)

It is impossible to convert the mount of a digital back for a different medium format body via adapter or conversion plates, because the sensor would then not sit within the film plane (since the sensor needs to sit the same distance from the lens that the film would). Such conversion may be possible by sending the back to Leaf to be physically reconfigured, depending on the specific model.

Any mount can be used on view cameras by using the correct adapter plate, for example: Alpha, Arca, Cambo, Horseman, Kata, Linhof, Sinar, Toyo, Rollei X-Act2, and other via Leaf Graflok or third party adapters. This is because view cameras have an adjustable focal plane.

The AFI backs (in the Discontinued Models) are specifically designed to work with Sinar and Rollei systems.

Accessories Leaf Digital Magazine The Leaf Digital Magazine, or LDM, is a portable, small FireWire-powered hard drive that enables a digital back lacking a Compact Flash slot to be used untethered. There are three models, the 5GB, 10 GB and 20 GB. It can be mounted in the U-bracket, which can also contain two (smaller than normal) batteries. This U-bracket can then be mounted underneath the camera. There are short FireWire cables available to connect the LDM to the Leaf digital back.

Software Capture One / Capture One Pro